A sense of privilege Sept 27 2020 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
Announcements
Mission Moment – Presbyterians Sharing Sunday
Together we are making a difference! New church development. Partnership. International mission staff. Theological colleges. Healing and reconciliation. Leadership development. Congregational support. And more! We celebrate the generosity of congregations across Canada who support mission efforts and ministry. We proclaim the good news of the gospel as we encourage, equip, and teach about love, faith and hope … in Canada and around the world.
Presbyterians Sharing proclaims the good news of the Gospel
This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns.
Remember … the bible is free online … https://www.biblegateway.com/
The Presbytery meeting was cancelled last week due to the uptick in COVID cases. The Knox Goderich Session will meet via conference call on Mon Sept 28. The Knox Bayfield Session will meet on ZOOM on Mon Oct 5.
Over the next couple of months I will be taking holidays. I will be away during the weeks of: Sept 28-Oct 4, and then Oct 19-25. Rev. Theresa McDonald-Lee has graciously agreed to provide pastoral care for both Knox Bayfield and Knox Goderich. You are encouraged to explore other worship services online and TV during my absence. Remember the Knox Bayfield YouTube videos are available anytime.
Income and Expense Update
The following chart illustrates the August income $2,920 and expenses $4,933. The year-to-date deficit is $6,431.
Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Exodus 17:7, Psalm 78:4, 7
Praise the Lord who is our provider. The Lord is our hope. Our trust is in God. God brought us out of bondage and has made us free. Our trust is in God. God is our hope.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The mercy of our God is from everlasting to everlasting. Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, God’s generous love reaches out to embrace us. In Christ, we are forgiven and set free to begin again. Thanks be to God!
# 644 May The Mind Of Christ My Saviour
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Philippians 2:3
O God, fill us with your Spirit and humble our hearts so that we can hear your Word. Amen.
READINGS: Exodus 17:1–7, Psalm 78:1–4, 12–16, Philippians 2:1–13
Matthew 21:23–32
Exodus 17:1–7
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” God said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Matthew 21:23-32
When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?”
And the chief priests and the elders argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. “What do you think? A man had two sons. The man went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ The first son answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and the second son answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. [Jesus asked] Which of the two did the will of his father?” The chief priests and the elders said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
#352 And can it be that I should gain
MESSAGE
Our readigs tody call our attention to the attentiveness of God. God listens and responds. He heard the cry for water from the Israelites and responded. Jesus heard the confusion from the people and responded
Have you noticed that conversations with Jesus are challenging? He is able to disrupt what seems to be written in stone. Our encounters with Jesus are strange and unpredictable. Many who hear his message are able to see and live in new ways.
The encounter between Jesus and the chief priests and elders address the question about the source of his authority. This question about authority is asked of Jesus by the chief priests and elders after the cleansing of the temple. The leaders believe they are the ones who truly have the authority and they are ready to challenge whatever Jesus says.
Jesus stepped around the dilemma and posed a different question. “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” Warren Carter notes, if Jesus “claims his own authority, he admits to having no institutional or cultural legitimation, and appears to have acted against God’s purposes and certainly against theirs. If he claims God’s authority, he blasphemes (9:3) and violates their jurisdiction.”
This question uncovered their concerns. Were they really interested in discovering the true identity of Jesus? Perhaps they were concerned about their own privilege and power . Or were they concerned with maintaining the system they were familiar with?
Jesus posed a question about authority that left the people debating how their answer might be understood. Then he told a parable of two sons and posed another question. The chief priests and the elders responded by stating the son who changed his mind and obeyed the father would go to the kingdom of heaven. It would seem the chief priests and the elders did not see the relevance to their own actions and beliefs.
Can you understand their response? They hear the teaching, they understand logically the appropriate response. Yet, they struggle to see how this fits for them. In many ways, this is similar to the issue of privilege.
You may have heard this term tossed about in discussions about inequality and systemic discrimination. Privilege can be a challenging concept to wrap our thoughts around. It can be particularly challenging when you hold privilege and hold onto beliefs about those who do not. Privilege is essentially a special right, advantage, or immunity that is given to a particular person or group. It allows some to experience rights or advantages that others are not given.
Some believe that privilege is earned or a birthright. For example, royalty and heads of state are provided certain privileges of protection and luxury that others are not. Our Prime Minister and his family are constantly under the protection of the RCMP. The security measures are commensurate with the high profile position of the Prime Minister as the Head of Government. This type of privilege is not available to many within our society. Yet, there are police services that respond, when necessary, for the public.
It can be challenging to recognize when we hold a position of privilege. Perhaps that is why it is so important to discuss the events of history and our time. Matthew’s account of this encounter helps us to remember that we hold privilege and that we all have blind spots. Some of you may be wondering what a blind spot might be. We often refer to a blind spot when we drive. There is a spot in our left side vision that we cannot see. We check our mirrors and look over our shoulders to ensure we are seeing from different perspectives. In positions of oversight, we are looking to see what might have been missed by those doing the work. When Jean and I prepared for this worship service, she was able to see something that had been missed. Jean was able to identify that the Christ Candle was a little off kilter on the communion table. Her keen eyesight caught something that had been missed and she made it right. She demonstrated the concept of blind spots and provided the ability to see something that had been missed.
In some places, and for some people, a police presence is not reassuring. For many the police are a threat. It can be challenging to understand this threat if you have not experienced the terror of being judged by the colour of your skin. It is in this situation that privilege may distort your understanding of the situation. It may be difficult to comprehend how the fear arises. It may be easier to make up stories that reinforce the sense of privilege and dismiss the concerns of others.
The chief priests and the elders could understand how the reluctant son was forgiven when he changed his ways. Yet, their privilege as leaders within the community worked against seeing themselves in the same light. Perhaps they simply could not understand how this new way of understanding could possibly apply to them. They were following the teachings of their ancestors and could not see the inherent flaws within those teachings. In part, perhaps they could not see because the flaws allowed them privilege and set them apart from others.
We pray that God will open our eyes to see and ears to hear. Praise be to God.
#489 Help us to help each other, Lord
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: Children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving. Charles Alexander Eastman (1858-1939), Native American author
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. Let us give as God has so abundantly given to us. We will now receive the offering. Do good and share what you have, for such gifts are from God and are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
We give thanks to you, O God, You have blessed us with all that is necessary to do your good work. May the sharing of these gifts be a source of healing for this world in need. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation. Exodus 17:7, Philippians 2:5
O God, who is ever present, you hear our cries and are ever faithful in your mercy. We come to you with our concerns for the world, our community, and ourselves.
May our church and its leaders be filled with the spirit and mind of Christ as we serve you and others.
We pray for our country and global community—enable our leaders to make good decisions for the good health and security of people.
A holy One, we pray for all who suffer with sickness, sadness, grief, anxiety, or abuse. May they be wrapped in your love. May they experience support and nurture within our community. .
Loving God, we know that you walk with us, and you answer when we call. There are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals. We lift up Betty Lou and Jane as they prepare for surgery. We lift up Bonnie as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic issues. We lift up her daughter, Marlene, as she heals. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named.
We rejoice, loving God, at all the extraordinary things that you are doing in the world and in our lives. May we recognize your beautiful and amazing works, for you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Amen.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together in one room, we continue to join in spirit to speak the words that Christ taught his disciples … Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
# 240 Rock of Ages, Cleft for me
BENEDICTION Philippians 2:5
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ. To God be the glory.
The blessing of God be with you, the love of Jesus fill you, and the power of the Holy Spirit sustain you, now and forevermore.
CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
The tax collectors and prostitutes, who were commonly known to be sinners, recognized God’s righteousness in John the Baptist and Jesus, while the religious authorities (the elders) did not. Do you know of any comparable examples today?
What does it mean to do the will of God? Has God ever shown up in
the middle of your complaining? When have you been wandering in a “wilderness of sin”?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
Loving God, thank you for this day. Guide my mind in your way and help me to do your will. All praise, honor, and glory is yours. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Holy God, thank you for providing for my needs. Thank you for always being with me. Keep me through the night and put a song of praise on my lips when I rise again. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Daily Prayer Ezekial 18
Holy God, my life is yours. Renew my hearts, refresh my spirit, and help me to walk in your holy way, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymns:
644 May The Mind Of Christ My Saviour
352 And can it be that I should gain
489 Help us to help each other, Lord
240 Rock of Ages, Cleft for me
644 May The Mind Of Christ My Saviour
May the mind of Christ, my Saviour, Live in me from day to day,
Jesus love and power controlling All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph Only through God’s power.
May the peace of God my Sovereign rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea;
Christ exalting, self denying, this is victory.
May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go.
352 And can it be that I should gain
And can it be that I should gain God’s riches through the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, should’st die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, should’st die for me?
‘Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies: Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries To wound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; Let angels minds inquire no more.
(repeat last 2 lines)
He left his Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite his grace,
Emptied himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me.
(repeat last 2 lines)
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off; my heart was free. I rose, went forth and followed thee. (repeat last 2 lines)
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
Alive in him, my living head, And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.
(repeat last 2 lines)
489 Help us to help each other, Lord
Help us to help each other, Lord, each other’s cross to share;
let each our friendly aid afford and feel each other’s care.
Up into thee, our living Head, let us in all things grow,
and by thy sacrifice be led the fruits of love to show.
Drawn by the magnet of thy love let all our hearts agree,
and ever to each other move, and ever nearer thee.
This is the bond of perfectness, thy spotless charity.
Oh let us still, we pray, possess the mind that was in thee.
240 Rock of Ages, Cleft for me
Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood, From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure: Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labours of my hands Can fulfil thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling:
Naked, come to thee for dress; Helpless, look on thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyelids close in death,
When I soar through tracts unknown, See thee on thy judgement throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee.